The test examined the use of the 500-pound MS-177 multispectral camera, to see how the sensor enhances combat identification in support of Joint STARS battle management role.

While in test flights off the coast of Florida, Joint STARS operators tasked the MS-177 sensor to collect information and streamed it into the battle management system already in place. Joint STARS operators were able to simultaneously exploit ground moving target indication (GMTI) and high-resolution imagery. Images also were transmitted to off-board SIPRNET elements using beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) satellite communications.

“Flight tests on the Joint STARS test bed aircraft proved the KAB, located directly behind the APY-7 radar, can support an additional large sensor, or multiple small sensors with no impact to the system’s current battle management command and control and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability," said Mike Mos, Northrop Grumman director of Joint STARS architectures and concept demonstrations.